Gary Wingate was born on November 15, 1962 in Houston, Texas to the union of Joe Lewis Wingate and Linnetta Cotton. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. Clark of Christ United Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a choir member. He later became a member of New Shining Light in Venice, IL under the leadership of Bishop John Henry Williams.

Gary will join hands with his parents, siblings Bridget Jackson, Joel and Rodney Scott, grandmother, Essiemae Clark and other relatives.

Gary leaves to cherish six brothers, Johnathan and Tyrone Wingate of East St. Louis, IL, Joe Hawkins, Jeremy Hawkins, Joe Hawkins, Joseph O'Bryant, Christopher Moye; Four sisters, Fursaundra Hawkins, Freda Hawkins, Jori Hawkins, Simone O'Bryant; two aunts, MaryAnn (Pierre) Floore, Carla Dunn; one uncle, Daryl Clark, all of East St. Louis, IL; a great aunt, Genola Gaddis, a few special nieces and nephew who adored him, Britney, Linetta and Vincent; a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives; an honorary cousin, E'Mond Shepherd.